Cars are costly to maintain, and the traffic they generate on the public roadways contributes to carbon emissions and longer commuting times. As a result, many individuals have discovered alternate modes of transportation, such as bicycles, public transit, ride-sharing apps, and even golf carts.
Whether you want to buy a golf cart to travel around your street or use one at your local golf course, you’re certainly curious about the criteria required to operate the vehicle. You’re probably more curious to know what age restrictions one must satisfy to lawfully operate a golf cart. To put it another way, can your kids legally drive a golf cart?
Golf Cart Operation Legal Age
Some states require a person to hold a driving license to operate a golf cart. Take a look at the age requirements for your state below:
Alaska
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. A driver’s license is required.
Connecticut
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. Driving a golf cart necessitates the possession of a valid driver’s license.
Florida
A golf cart can be driven on public highways in Florida if the driver is at least 14 years old and the speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour.
Georgia
The driver must be at least 12 years old. To drive a golf cart alone, you must have a valid driver’s license or permit.
Indiana
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. Every golf cart driver must have a valid driver’s license.
Kentucky
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. The driver must have a valid driver’s license and be insured.
Louisiana
Children above the age of 12 can ride in a cart driven by a licensed person. Every golf cart driver must have a valid driver’s license.
Maryland
The driver must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult.
Massachusetts
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. A driver’s license is required, and golf carts must have license plates.
Michigan
To drive a golf cart, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
Missouri
Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a current driver’s license.
Montana
The driver must be 14 years old to operate a vehicle. A valid driver’s license is required.
New Hampshire
The driver must be at least 13 years old. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
New Jersey
The driver must be at least 18 years old. Every golf cart driver must have a valid driver’s license.
Ohio
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. All golf cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
Oregon
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. A golf cart driver must have a valid Oregon driver’s license or an Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Golf Cart Permit.
Pennsylvania
To operate a golf cart, the driver must be at least 12 years old. You must, however, be at least 16 years old to drive on a highway.
Washington
The minimum driving age is 16 years old. Golf cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
For a full list of Laws, visit our Golf Cart Laws page.